ACE Program


Montana Farm Bureau's Premier Agriculture Leadership Program

Montana Farm Bureau’s ACE program is designed to empower Farm Bureau members to be confident, effective leaders in their county Farm Bureau and local communities. Advocacy follows leadership and with practiced, ever-evolving leadership skills, participants will be prepared to actively advocate on key industry issues.  

Program Description

ACE participants will receive in-depth leadership development training along with practical application strategies. More than that, ACE participants will learn to identify the needs of their own communities and the role they, and Farm Bureau, have in serving those needs. Without a vibrant, healthy grassroots foundation we cannot profoundly affect change on the policy issues impacting agriculture.

Program Focus

  1. Developing Leaders
  2. Engaging Local Communities
  3. Issues Advocacy

Upon Completion of the Program

Graduates will have gained skills and understanding of the following areas:

  • Advocacy
  • Active Listening
  • Public Speaking
  • Coalition Building
  • Industry Issues and Public Policy
  • Conflict Management
  • Communication with Media and Non-Ag Audiences

Program Details and Eligibility:

  • Applications are available on mfbf.org and are due by December 8, 2025.
  • Applicant must be a voting member in good standing with their county Farm Bureau.
  • Applicants must be willing to meet all time commitments associated with the program.
  • Participation is limited to 10 individuals. The 2026 class will be announced in December 2025.    
  • Selected participants are required to pay a $500 tuition fee.        
    • You are encouraged to reach out to your county Farm Bureau and seek sponsorship.    
  • Selected participants are required to sign, date and return a commitment form plus the tuition fee by December 31, 2025.        
    • Montana Farm Bureau Federation                
      Attn: 2026 ACE Application  
      100 Red Mountain Drive, Suite 101
      Bozeman, MT 59718    
  • Lodging and some meals will be provided during seminars.

Calendar

During this year-long program, participants will attend six in-person seminars focused on enhancing advocacy skills and leadership development. Class members will also participate in a Farm Bureau book club reading the MFBF history book, Legacies.

 The dates for the 2026 program are:

  • January 21-22, Bozeman: Leadership Development 
  • March 25-26, Helena: Issues Advocacy & Legislative Affairs   
  • May 6-7, Bozeman: Working with the Media and Communicating with Consumers
  • June 15-17, Kalispell: Rural Development & Coalition Building at MFBF Summer Conference    
  • August 19-20, Bozeman: Grassroots Engagement   
  • November 15-18, Billings: ACE Program Graduation at MFBF Annual Convention

Apply Here

Click the following link to learn more about the ACE Leadership Program including program eligibility, seminar dates and additional details. 2026 ACE Class Application.pdf

CLICK HERE to apply for the 2026 ACE Class. 

Questions?

Contact Sue Ann Streufert or Karli Johnson

Sue Ann: sueanns@mfbf.org or 406-587-3153

Karli Johnson: karlij@mfbf.org or 406-868-1233

Learn More